Northwest Reel Life January - February 2024 Volume 3 Issue 4 - Flipbook - Page 20
Of the many rivers in
the beautiful state of
Washington, the Sol Duc
is one that can manage to
keep just about everyone
happy. Whether you fly fish,
spin or bait cast, there is,
or at least was, a fish with
your name on it!
glimpse of an ancient
creature born of the
gravelly riverbeds. Traveling
their way through genetic
imprinting, magnetic fields,
the temperatures, and
conditions of the earth,
making a 70-mile journey
into the unknown.
Fish species on the Sol Duc
include Fall and Summer
Chinook, Winter and
Summer Steelhead, Coho,
Sockeye and both resident
and sea-run cutthroat trout.
The Sol Duc River runs 78
miles from the Olympic
Mountains and cuts
Southwestward through
the most spectacular
scenery in Washington
State. With a variety of
access points, you'll be
greeted by precipitous
gulches and mossy rocks in
vivid green tones set a fire
by the angle of the sun.
What is it that ensures a
fish can find its way back
to the place it was born?
When I can't even find
my way home without an
app. An interesting factoid,
scientists have discovered
fish have ear stones called
otoliths. These “otoliths”
incorporate chemical
elements from the water
as the fish grow and move.
Picture a growth band
of a tree, with each ring
recording a chemical map
of where the fish has been,
how long they stayed there
and how fast they grew.
Scientific advances like this
are pivotal in managing fish
populations.
Picture perfect moments
around every corner. The
river is a pleasure whether
you're catching or not.
Just to be there, to catch a
20 | NWFISHING.net
I have a deep concern and
respect for the natural
world, a curiosity for things
we can and cannot explain.
A desire to be a part of it all,
to get my hands dirty and
my mind clean.
So, while we still can, I will
travel my own way, finding
places that provide an
opportunity to get my line
wet.
My most noteworthy
experience would be a
fantastic stay at the “Cabin
on the Middle Run” in
Forks.
Easily accessible and found
off 101, this well-appointed,
clean and cozy cedar cabin
boasts everything you need
and more. For me it was
the stocked kitchen and
comfortable beds, topped
off with a long hot shower.
Though, I must admit we
spent most of our time in
the backyard. Our hosts
and neighbors were so very
friendly and helpful. Which
isn't always the case when
you're fishing in someone's
backyard. We were rooted
on and engaged in friendly
conversations with guides
floating by and neighbors
on their decks.
